Posted by Gouchy Grumpenstien
a resident of Cuesta Park
on Feb 24, 2014 at 2:34 pm

For the record, I'm OK with a $1.00 impact to the city budget for the restoration. Perhaps a few dollars more in the long run to preserve some history. We spend more on art that literally just sits around(I'm sure at the abject disgust of Otto). The engine would be fun to see at schools, parades and other community events. To know its been in our city for all these years is a chance for history to be alive for our young kids, and they could actually touch that history...after they wash their hands of course. That's worth a few farthings IMO.

Anyway, I'm glad the coast isn't huge so it looks like donations might do the trick, and we'll only have to listen to Otto threaten to complain instead of actually complaining.

Posted by Fire Hose
a resident of Monta Loma
on Feb 25, 2014 at 6:02 am

I just hate to tell Otto that the "child proofing", safety reviews, installation and maintenance would likely cost a bundle as well, and since it would be an addition to the public park, its logical that that the city should pay for it out of their parks and rec budget. I do like Otto's idea, but his idea would use city funds, which he must be in conflict about.

Posted by Jay Park
a resident of Jackson Park
on Feb 25, 2014 at 8:11 am

I will point out that the ongoing maintenance costs for a child-proofed fire engine at a local park would be substantial.

Exposure to the elements is very harsh, and a vehicle with an intricate paint job (with gold accents and white trim stripes) would be even more susceptible to damage. Red paint has relatively poor lightfast properties and tends to fade, particularly if accurate pigments from the era would be used. Any repainting would require the vehicle to be disassembled and transported to a restorer's workshop.

The brass components would also be subject to deterioration from the elements and require routine restoration. And sadly, they would also be vulnerable to theft.

Of course, it could be left to the mercy of Mother Nature until it reaches a rather shabby state to defer maintenance, but then it would no longer be a source of civic pride.

Posted by Waldo
a resident of Waverly Park
on Feb 25, 2014 at 2:36 pmWaldo is a registered user.

The MV Voice article is full of interesting historical facts, especially regarding some of the old building names. Hopefully, the MV Voice will track this topic, and let us know how donations will be handled for the restoration.

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